"How's the molten salt introduction?"

"It's all in a solid state at the moment, and we're waiting for the reaction to start to melt."

"What is the status of the control system and the radiation detection system?"

"Everything is fine, just waiting for it to start."

Molten salt reactors, unlike traditional pressurized water reactors, do not have lumpy nuclear fuel rods.

The fuel needed for nuclear fission is all mixed with molten salt.

Reaction heating is carried out directly.

Uranium-235, which is enriched at 3 percent, can heat the molten salt to more than 700 degrees Celsius and maintain normal pressure.

This gives molten salt reactors an advantage that has never been seen in previous generations of reactors.

When nuclear fuel is added, there is no longer a need to shut down the reactor.

While the reactor is working, a mixture of nuclear fuel and molten salt can be injected directly into the interior.

In the case of ordinary pressurized water reactors or boiling water reactors, when the abundance of nuclear fuel rods decreases for a period of time in a nuclear power plant, it is insufficient to provide sufficient power.

The entire reactor had to be reset.

This takes a lot of time.

If it's just a nuclear power plant, it doesn't matter if you spend a little more time on maintenance.

But if it is applied to a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, then a reactor refueling will take at least a year.

Time passed little by little, and the first operation of the fourth-generation thorium-based molten salt reactor was soon coming.

"The first trial run of the thorium-based molten salt reactor, start!"

Zhang Xingyang's face was calm and calmly, and he gave the order for trial operation.

A highly abundant mixture of nuclear fuels is infused into a recirculating reaction chamber.

A chain reaction begins to take place.

The nucleus of uranium-235 is bombarded by foreign neutrons and splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing 2-3 neutrons at the same time.

The neutrons released continue to bombard the other uranium-235.

The chain reaction began to continue continuously.

At the same time, a large amount of energy is released.

Because the abundance of nuclear fuel is controlled.

The speed of the reactor chain reaction of a nuclear power plant is much smaller than that of an atomic bomb.

And since the energy is mainly emitted in the form of heat.

So it doesn't have the same effect as a nuclear weapon explosion.

To describe it, it is like throwing a stone that can generate heat by itself into a pile of molten salt, and the molten salt is constantly heated.

Normally, pressurized water reactors or boiling water reactors control the reaction rate by controlling the contact between the nuclear fuel rods and the moderator.

When the reaction is too fast, fuel rods are inserted deep into the moderator to slow down the reaction by reducing the amount of neutrons produced.

When the reaction speed is too slow, the fuel rod is slightly pulled out to increase the amount of neutrons produced to speed up the reaction.

"The power is currently only 75 percent of the design power!"

"It is expected to be caused by a low number of neutrons in a nuclear reaction."

The assistant beside Zhang Xingyang kept reporting to Zhang Xingyang about the situation in various parts of the experiment.

"Then continue to add a high-abundance fuel mixture to it!"

Zhang Xingyang said after taking a closer look at the reaction.

Their calculations though take into account a variety of different situations.

However, there are some deviations from the actual results of the calculation.

In calculations, a concentration of three percent of nuclear fuel can achieve full power.

But in reality it was only three-quarters.

This may have something to do with the molten salt itself under high temperature flow.

Such a thought flashed through Zhang Xingyang's mind.

Then there was no deep thought.

Because something new has emerged.

"The radiation level of the heat exchanger tube exceeded our expectations and reached 70 msv."

The assistant told the worse news.

The radiation level of the heat exchanger tube is directly related to its service life.

Higher levels of radiation can lead to an exponential decrease in service life.

The radiation dose of 70 msv does not have much effect on the material in the short term.

But in the long run, it will have a greater impact.

The life span of a heat exchanger tube that could have been used for 30 years may be reduced to 20 years!

Fortunately, such a dose will not have a great impact on people.

After being weakened by two layers of concrete shell, the amount of radiation is no different from that of normal air.

There will be no one who will stay in the reactor core for a long time.

When the reactor is stopped for inspection, everyone will pay attention to all aspects of protection.

"After recording this problem, I will send it to Director Su and the others."

Zhang Xingyang thought about it for a while and decided not to care about it.

This little problem, Su Xiao should be able to deal with it himself.

"Are there any problems with the operation of the steam turbines?"

Zhang Xingyang then said again.

"There were no problems with the operation of the steam turbines." This time the assistant did not give any more bad news.

A huge mountain-like white mist floated out of the thick condensation tower.

That's the high-temperature water vapor that is emitted from a steam turbine after it has been run.

A cloud that is cooled by air and condensed.

White clouds began to be born in the yellow sand.

Then they will fall in this dry desert and complete the cycle of their lives.

Along with the clouds flying into the sky, a large amount of electricity is produced.

And then it went on top of a large number of devices.

The molten salt reactor has not been tested by the Nuclear Safety Administration, so it cannot be officially connected to the grid for power generation.

The electricity generated can only be used by the institute itself.

The institute is equipped with several large pieces of equipment for this purpose, which are used as tests.

The most important of these is an electrolytic hydrogen production equipment.

Hydrogen as a new energy source.

It has a very wide range of application prospects.

It's just that there is no good solution to the problem of hydrogen preparation and storage.

In terms of preparation, hydrogen is mainly produced by electrolysis of water.

As we all know, water molecules are made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

After electrolysis, hydrogen and oxygen may be obtained.

If hydrogen is used as fuel, water is also obtained after combustion.

It's a clean energy source.

The production of hydrogen requires a lot of electricity, which is also one of the obstacles restricting the development of hydrogen energy.

However, the research institute researches hydrogen electrolysis technology, which is only incidental.

The main thing is that I don't want to see such a huge waste of electricity.

The power of the experimental reactor currently in operation has reached 220 megawatts.

More than 220,000 kWh of electricity can be obtained in one hour of operation.

It can meet the electricity consumption of tens of thousands of households in a day.

"The reactor was running well for the first time and could be stopped."

The reactor's first operation lasted only an hour before it was stopped by Zhang Xingyang.

Overall, the operation is relatively good, and there are no major problems.

Of course, there are still minor problems.

For example, the nuclear fuel abundance control system is inaccurate, the heat exchange tube is not radiation-proof, and so on.

The high-temperature molten salt, which used to flow constantly, was blocked by several heavy metal plates.

The spontaneous chain reaction was soon stopped by a low number of neutrons.

Then the temperature of molten salt began to slowly drop from more than 600 degrees.

Return to the solid state at room temperature.

The steam turbine, which had been running at high speed under the impetus of high-temperature steam, soon stopped running.

The condensing tower, which looks like a cloud-making machine, also stopped the production of white clouds for a short time.

After the first operation of the thorium-based molten salt reactor, Zhang Xingyang sent most of the questions back to the various research departments.

Although the various research departments have encountered a lot of problems.

But most of them are still happy.

Because their research was not in vain and played its due results.

There are also people who are more uncomfortable, namely the fuel control system R&D room and the materials laboratory responsible for the research and development of heat exchange tube materials.

In addition to this group of people who are sad and happy, there are also people who are in a state of happiness and discomfort.

"Director Zhang, this is definitely an unprecedented success for us, and it is also a unique achievement in the world."

Lao Li, who is in charge of propaganda work, is pulling Zhang Xingyang's sleeve and talking.

"Such a thing that can boost the self-confidence of the people, we should launch an overwhelming publicity!"

After the successful thorium-based molten salt reactor experiment, Lao Li's first reaction was to be happy.

After the experiment was successful, many of his folded faces were smiling a lot.

But what made him feel uncomfortable was that such a big achievement had been achieved.

But they could not say anything.

I don't know how long it will be kept secret.

"Section Chief Li, don't tell me these things."

Zhang Xingyang gently snatched his sleeve from Lao Li's hand.

"The confidentiality principle of our project, I think you should be very clear."

"In the case that your superiors haven't spoken yet, I hope you don't say a word!"

Zhang Xingyang's research project is well covered.

That's why two third-generation nuclear reactors are being built locally.

To a large extent, it is used to cover up the traces of the fourth generation reactor.

There are two reactors for cover.

It is a good way to cover up the traces of their experimental pile.

Otherwise, there is no need for anything else, just an extraordinary amount of water.

It can attract the prying eyes of people with ulterior motives.

In fact, during this time, the people of Guoan have caught quite a few spies in the vicinity.

"I don't think you want to deal with the people of the national security, do you?"

Zhang Xingyang looked at Lao Li with a smile and said.

Lao Li was taken aback, he couldn't wear such a big hat.

"Don't, don't, Director Zhang."

"It's me who has been blinded by lard, and you pretend you've never heard anything."

Lao Li hurriedly said that he didn't dare to mention the propaganda work again.

Zhang Xingyang felt almost frightened, and then said:

"Lao Li, I know that your propaganda department basically has nothing to do during this time."

"But don't worry, we can't keep it a secret forever, sooner or later when we have to make a big splash, you can do more copywriting first."

Lao Li hurriedly nodded yes.

In fact, Zhang Xingyang does not expect this time to be too long.

Most likely, it will be when a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier appears.

The development of molten salt reactors is now progressing rapidly, and it is entirely possible that they will catch up with the construction of the first domestic aircraft carrier.

Then when the construction of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is completed, it is impossible to hide the fourth-generation molten salt pile all the time.

Naturally, we need to spread the word to the world.

At that time, it will be time for Lao Li to play a role.

After sending away Lao Li, who wanted to play a role, he left.

Zhang Xingyang came to Su Xiao's materials laboratory.

"What is the situation with N36 now. Why does radiation overdose occur? ”

As soon as Zhang Xingyang entered the materials laboratory, he found Su Xiao and asked.

Obviously, Su Xiao was also a little surprised by the results of the trial operation, "We are still investigating the cause, and it is estimated that it will take a while to find out." ”

Su Xiao's expression of wanting to speak and stopping fell in Zhang Xingyang's eyes.

"Do you have a suspicious direction?"

Su Xiao lowered his head and thought for a moment before saying:

"Actually, I personally suspect that it is a defect in the material itself."

Then Su Xiao shook his head again and said:

"It can't be said to be a material defect, but rather a characteristic of the molten salt pile."

"The radiation intensity of molten salt reactors is more than a cut stronger than that of pressurized water reactors."

"Zirconium alloys, which could have been used as nuclear fuel tubes, could not be isolated from such radiation measurements."

Although Su Xiao's words were a little confused, Zhang Xingyang still understood what she meant.

Zirconium alloys themselves are not very insulated from nuclear radiation.

It's just relatively resistant to nuclear radiation.

In the environment of nuclear radiation, it can maintain its own strength with a small reduction.

However, the radiation dose of molten salt reactors is much higher than that of previous pressurized water reactors.

As a result, the strength of the zirconium alloy is much lower than previously envisaged.

"It seems that the problem is still in the choice of materials."

Zhang Xingyang touched his chin with his left hand and said:

"There are two solutions."

Su Xiao's eyes lit up, and he motioned to Zhang Xingyang not to sell Guan Zi and then said.

"The first method is relatively simple, since the zirconium alloy itself is weak in isolating radiation, we can coat it with an insulating layer, such as lead."

Lead is at the bottom of the periodic table and is very dense.

It can effectively prevent nuclear radiation.

"But the melting point of lead is too low, only more than 300 degrees, and our molten salt is running at 5 or 600 degrees, so it can't be used at all."

After Zhang Xingyang finished talking about the solution, he said the shortcomings of this method.

"If you want to do internal plating, you have to find other materials."

"But in this way, the cost will increase a lot."

Su Xiao thought about it along this line of thought, and then said:

"This is not an option, and the two are irreconcilable."

"Then there is only the second way."

"What's the solution?"

Su Xiao said with some curiosity.

Zhang Xingyang smiled slightly, "Continue to improve the formula of zirconium alloy, since the current formula is not good, then continue to change." ”

"I can always change to the right material formulation."

Zirconium alloy itself is suitable as a nuclear material.

The unsuccess of this does not mean that the zirconium alloy is not good.

Su Xiao rolled his eyes: "What you said is equivalent to not saying it." ”

"I can think of that too."

"And have you thought of how to improve the recipe of the ingredients?"

Zhang Xingyang asked rhetorically.

"Change the proportions of each of them?" Su Xiao said with some uncertainty.

This kind of thing is too simple, and she is a little unsure if what Zhang Xingyang said is so.

"We were using niobium-based alloys, which were corrosion-resistant, which naturally led to a decrease in strength in other areas."

Zhang Xingyang didn't care too much about it, and continued to point:

"You can try changing the ratio of tin and niobium." (End of chapter)